National Writers Series 2011

The return of the National Writers Series 1/17/11By Erin CrowellIf you thought the National Writers Series (NWS) was just anotherfestival to draw tourists to Northern Michigan, founder Doug Stantonwould tell you youre wrong.We spread the series throughout the year, with two to three eventsper month, said the New York Times bestselling author of HorseSoldiers and In Harms Way. (Like other festivals), you could runa marathon just once in a year; or you could run six miles everyday,which does a lot more for you.Stanton is referring to the series that brings bestselling writersfrom around the country right into Traverse City and the intimatesetting of the City Opera House  an event geared to promoting ayear-round discussion of literature and ideas.Last years inaugural event allowed audiences to participate in adinner table-like discussion with writers such as Mary Karr, authorof The Liars Club; Advice Goddess columnist Amy Alkon; NationalBook Award winner Peter Matthiessen; and news anchor/journalist TomBrokaw.While last year compiled a roster of serious wordsmiths, the 2011series looks to be just as impacting; 15 made the trip last year,while the event plans on hosting 20 writers in 11.

THE ROSTEREach author will be on stage either with Stanton or as a guest host todiscuss anything from the development as an author or for a particularbook to influences in the book industry, itself. Each session isfollowed by an hour-long Q&A with the audience.First on the City Opera House stage will be AMC televisions Mad Menwriter-producers Janet Leahy and Lisa Albert, scheduled for Thursday,Feb. 3.Leahy and Albert will provide examples of scripts written for theaward-winning drama and show its process from the page to the screen,concluding with the actual clip containing the written scene,according to Stanton.Other guests include Sarah Brokaw, daughter of Tom Brokaw and authorof Fortytude, Making the Next Decades the Best Years of Your Life through the 40s, 50s, and Beyond, appearing March 3; Roy Bount Jr.,humorist and contributor to The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and RollingStone, on May 12; and National Public Radio commentator David Sedarison Oct. 24, among many others.Richard Ford is one of the best writers in the country, said Stantonabout the NWS June 2 guest.Ford, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, earned his book TheSportswriter as one of Time Magazines five best books of 1986.

BY AUTHORS, FOR AUTHORSYou may be asking yourself, How does Traverse City find itself on theradar of national bestselling authors?I called em, Stanton said matter-of-factly.With 20 years of experience writing for national publications andbest-selling non-fiction, the Traverse City native has developed asolid web of literary relationships.The thing is, these authors want to be here, Stanton added. Theyresaying this is one of the best book tour events on their schedule.Stanton points to the dwindling advertising funds of literary agenciesand the lack of promotion when it comes to a book tour  a maincomponent in driving book sales (and recognition on the best sellerslist).Stanton had just come off a 50-city book tour, himself, when the NWSwas just starting to take off.As an author, I know what I want in a book tour event, he said. Weprovide (the visiting authors) with an audience and venue to selltheir books, a list of media in promotion. These include audio/visualbroadcasting and re-distribution by IPR and Up North Media, along withseveral radio, print and TV spots.The event also serves as a function for attendees.It prompts the audience to learn more about the author, explainedStanton. Its a creative and transformative experience for otherauthors.

NEW AND REALIts an intimate setting that brings the possibilities of the writingworld into something more substantial, particularly for young writers.When youre there 10 feet away from that author, it makes (thepublishing) world seem more real, Stanton said.A driving force of the NWS is its attention to the young writingcommunity, particularly by providing scholarships to high school-agechildren seeking a writing career.$1,500 will be awarded to a student in the categories of poetry,fiction and non-fiction. Students must be residents of Antrim, GrandTraverse, Benzie, Kalkaska or Leelanau counties and attend a public,private or home school at the 11th or 12th grade level.Beyond the scholarship, new this year is the NWS working with TraverseCity Area Public Schools to host a creative writer in residence.A writer will live downtown for a certain period of time and providetutoring and readings for area students, said Stanton.Another new addition this year includes collaboration with theNational Cherry Festival to host an On-the-Beach author event on July2. Details will be announced later.While festivals continue to pop up throughout the region, the NationalWriters Series has proven it can hold its own as a wide-serving,creative arts event that goes beyond the three-day hoopla.Were very excited for this year and are already booking for 2012,said Stanton.Who knows? Maybe an NWS scholarship winner will be on that City OperaHouse stage one day.

The National Writers Series begins with An Evening with the Writersof Mad Men, Featuring Janet Leahy and Lisa Albert on Thursday, Feb.3, at the City Opera House, 7 p.m. For more information on futureauthor events, how to apply for a scholarship and other information,check out www.nationalwritersseries.org.